2017 Austin Elite RFW

ROUND ROCK, Texas- My first visit to the Round Rock Sports Complex definitely was a good one as the facility was very impressive and the set-up was ideal for me to navigate and watch multiple teams and players so I definitely caught plenty of talent. This was not my first look at Austin Elite who continue to be in the mix with players that go on to play at the next level and this squad is no different as they simply blew me away. In the 15 years I’ve been hanging out with Austin Elite coaches and founders Fonzelle Martin and Tommy Gregg, I’ve personally watched hundreds of their players  go on to play college ball. I can’t name them all off the top of my head but flashbacks and pictures definitely bring back memories

This year’s RFW squad is led by Diamond Morrison who blew me away last season and the Louisiana Lafayette commit will be on my Tip Sheet from the Tyrone Johnson Showcase that I’ll drop a little later. On day one, Manesha Knox and Keithia Burke, a couple of 6’0 players that can score in the paint or knock the midrange down definitely showed up and out. Knox displayed excellent post moves while Burke definitely operated nicely from the wing and both rebound on both ends of the court. Devon Williams is only a 2020 with a very bright future, so much energy and excellent timing to block and alter shots; she too rebounds well and at 6’2 can knock the long ball down with ease.

Speaking of knocking down the long ball with ease Kassadie Sanders can catch and shoot it from distance with the best of them and as far as accuracy, guard her once she enters the building. She and Mikaela Noe bring plenty of heat from the backcourt, I mean they never take a play off and only prove one more time, #sizedontmatter if you can play and believe me they can go. No let up with Daija Plana who brings so much heat I was glad the water was complimentary because I definitely was sweating. Excellent defender baseline to baseline and she’s explosive off the dribble

Logan Haller was definitely in the mix as she did the little things that might not come up in the box score but she also can score from mid to long range in fact I saw so many threes from so many players on this squad that the trailer from Pleasantville kept popping in my head and when Denae Lofton got going, awe man, three threes in a row on Championship Sunday in the semifinals with players hanging on her sort of sold me but her range is unlimited.

I love good stories and I truly love comebacks 2019 Jasmyn Taylor just left me speechless. She’s one of those players that’s not only a super athlete but can also play basketball. She explodes off the ground for rebounds and blocked shots over the rim, I’m serious plus she defends baseline to baseline and can score. This was truly a great event, I saw so much talent and stay tuned as I’ll drop more on here, Twitter and of course, the Gram so stay tuned and Fonzelle and Tommy, I had a blast, thank you all for the hospitality